U.S. Hospitals Expose Critically Ill Children to Harmful Glyphosate Herbicides

Posted on Jan 5 2015 - 9:02pm by Sustainable Pulse

In a new round of testing commissioned by Moms Across America, the world’s number one herbicide, glyphosate, has been discovered in PediaSure Enteral Nutritional Drink, which is widely used by hospitals in the U.S. for children who are in need of nutrition in intensive care.

Sourcewww.momsacrossamerica.com

Moms Across America Founder Zen Honeycutt stated Monday; “It is appalling that our health care providers have been led to believe this feeding liquid is safe. Our children and loved ones believe that our health institutions are supporting their immune system and recovery, instead they are being fed a liquid which contains a herbicide that could be seriously damaging their health.”

The PediaSure Enteral Nutritional Drink tested contains GM maize (GM corn syrup) and GM soya, both of which are sprayed with glyphosate-based herbicides (these include Monsanto’s ‘RoundUp’ herbicide), during the growing season and at harvest as a drying agent.

Abbott Nutrition, the manufacturer of the PediaSure family of products, describes them as “a source of complete, balanced nutrition designed especially for children 1 to 13 years of age.” PediaSure Enteral Nutritional Drink is a liquid supplement that is fed through a tube into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to deliver part or all of a child’s nutritional requirements while they are in intensive care.

From the 20 samples collected 6 were found to contain ‘high’ levels of glyphosate – over 75 ug/l, which was the minimum detection level of the ELISA assay used. The testing was completed at Microbe Inotech Labs, St. Louis, Missouri.

“As a mother I am very disturbed by these results. Working as a paediatric Physical Therapist I met children with feeding issues who depend on tube feedings for their entire lives. Children who experience trauma and are recovering from car accidents, shootings, cancers, surgeries and other illnesses may require these tube feedings for days, weeks, or years. I have long questioned the nutritionally poor and inflammatory ingredients in these feedings but am devastated to find out that they are contaminated with poison. Our most vulnerable children, and our children healing from overwhelming trauma, deserve better.”  Sarah Cusack, MPT, CHHC told Moms Across America.

This new testing is the latest to raise awareness regarding the ubiquitous and harmful nature of glyphosate-based pesticides. It follows the first ever pilot biosurvey on glyphosate in the breast milk of American women, commissioned by Moms Across America and Sustainable Pulse in 2014, which found ‘high’ levels in 3 out of the 10 samples tested. The shocking results pointed to glyphosate levels building up in women’s bodies over a period of time, which has until now been refuted by both global regulatory authorities and the biotech industry.

The glyphosate testing commissioned by Moms Across America and Sustainable Pulse also analysed 35 urine samples and 21 drinking water samples from across the US and found levels in urine that were over 10 times higher than those found in a similar survey done in the EU by Friends of the Earth Europe in 2013.

“The more data produced regarding the levels of glyphosate in our food, water and medicines the better. Even though this testing is not validated it does give a strong clue as to how ubiquitous glyphosate is in the U.S. food supply system. The question the EPA, USDA  and all regulatory bodies worldwide should be asking themselves is are they willing to risk public health by relying on short-term industry sponsored safety studies on glyphosate and all other pesticides. It is time for the regulators to support long-term independent science to determine just how damaging glyphosate pesticides are for this and future generations. While these studies are being completed all glyphosate-based herbicides should be removed from the shelves,” Sustainable Pulse Director Henry Rowlands concluded.

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About the Author

Sustainable Pulse is a global news outlet covering sustainable agriculture, GMOs and pesticides.

12 Comments so far. Feel free to join this conversation.

  1. Roberta Morrisonyphosate January 6, 2015 at 01:30 - Reply

    Not really surprised to see high levels of glyphosate in this, would love to know how many Bt toxins, and how much is in the mix too. After all GMO corn can produce up to 6 different Bt toxins, each at levels far exceeding what can be sprayed on the plants, and Soy isn’t far behind.

    I also wonder for my fellow seniors. What toxins are in Ensure, and the generics we drink to try to stay healthy? I’ve recently gone through a period where I lost my appetite, and was drinking 2-3 bottles a day, to maintain my weight. It certainly wouldn’t be good for those suffering dementia, especailly Alzhiemer’s, with RoundUp’s negative effects on the brain.

    Nothing like poisoning our most vulnerable citizens.

  2. Tony's Complaint January 6, 2015 at 04:46 - Reply

    Perhaps certain U.S. hospitals just want loyal long-term customers!

    I no longer doubt it: the vast array of American illnesses is big, big bucks for Corporate America.

    A healthy population would be a scary thing for the criminals who profit from our sick nation.

  3. D J Jewell January 6, 2015 at 12:21 - Reply

    Dad’ multiple ca pacers caused by pesticides, used for roses, pecan trees and much more.

  4. Susan January 6, 2015 at 14:15 - Reply

    So what is the alternative for these patients in the present? Are there any products out there that do not contain these harmful ingredients?

  5. Marc Dubuc January 6, 2015 at 16:33 - Reply

    There should be Demonstrations against Monsanto,Dupont&The PurelyEvil politicians that allowed the USA & Canada’s Food Supply to become Toxic by legalizing GMO’s including Patents.This deserves nothing less than Federal criminal charges against these Corporations & the same level media attention as The recent Black Prostests against racial profiling cops who hate black people.

  6. Cinnamonbark January 6, 2015 at 16:37 - Reply

    Is there anything we can do eliminate these built-up toxins in our bodies? It is terrible enough that we are plagued by this in our daily life. Has science examined how to rid our bodies of this at all?

  7. Diane January 8, 2015 at 21:28 - Reply

    As a mother of 11 and grandmother of 15, I have been shocked at what is created for good and falls so short. As my children grew up our family has taken in seniors in need of care. We were shocked at the immediate decline in one of our residents after Dr.’s placed her on a feeding tube formula that was “approved”. With her family’s support and the Dr.’s cooperation with switched her back to Reliv nutritional supplements. She lived out her final years in her mid 90’s with these balance, high quality products. The Kids Now has helped my caregiver’s infant son survive and thrive after several hospitalizations for severe respiratory infections. This company controls it’s non-GMO soy fields – seed to can. Anyone looking for a healthy alternative to Pediasure – it already exists!

  8. James Cooper January 9, 2015 at 22:06 - Reply

    OF 20 samples, 14 contained nothing and 6 contained a small amount at the limits of detection. Wouldn;t it be just as accurate to say you found 6 false positives? And considering the low toxicity of glyphosate, is this trace in any way significant? The LD50 for rats is 5 g/kg, which is enormous!

    • George January 31, 2016 at 13:54 - Reply

      The truth is James, that nobody really knows what levels of Glyphosphate are safe, because nobody has really tested it for long term low level effects. There is no ongoing food testing either, as there is for insecticides, because it is rated as “safe.” Keep in mind that Glyphosphate has been patented as an antibiotic, and it’s effective at only a couple of parts/billion.
      Additionally, the original approval testing was done by Monsanto, who also manufactures and sells the stuff. Kind of like hiring the fox to watch the chickens, given Monsanto’s past record.
      My real question, however, is this: why should my food have ANY ag chemicals in it at all?

  9. Mimi January 12, 2015 at 16:45 - Reply

    It is devistating that our government allows our food, supplements, vaccines.. To be contaminated with (known to be) harmful and deadly toxins .I work in a hospital and mandated to get the flu shot.. I have been sick with the flu x2 already… No more… I refuse to have Mercury and phumaldehid injected into my body … Are we being contaminated so hospitals, doctors and pharmaceutical companies stay in business ..

  10. George January 31, 2016 at 13:59 - Reply

    Here are some other things that were once considered “safe.”
    DDT
    2,4D
    Agent Orange
    Lead
    Asbestos
    Thalidomide
    UFFI foam
    We are dealing with all these things even now.

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